Traps, Tricks & Mistakes: Bloody Grob

The Grob’s attack is an irregular opening not seen in serious competition.

It takes its name from the Swiss International Master Henri Grob (1904-1974) who employed it in many correspondence games.

Another name related to this opening is Claude Fizzle Bloodgood, an American chess player and convicted killer. He also frequently played this opening in his games against other inmates.

Heri Grob played today’s miniature in one of his correspondence tournaments. Because of the immediate pressure on Black’s central pawns, his opponent played a critical mistake in move 8 and lost in 18 moves.

Although this attack is not a guest in serious competitions, it is a good surprise weapon when playing blitz chess.

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